Mr Monti has thrown the election lead-up into confusion by saying that for credible forces he would give quote, "his appreciation, encouragement and, if asked, his leadership."

James Walston, a political analyst at the American University of Rome, says Mr Monti has made it very clear his steady-as she-goes agenda is more important than his own personal ambitions.

"This is what he repeated and he made clear in all the answers he gave as well at the press conference when people were trying to needle him into saying are you going to stand, what sort of job will you take," Mr Walston said.

"He said, as long as the program goes through, I can do more or less anything."

Mr Monti is the technocratic prime minister appointed a year ago to steady the Italian economy.

He replaced the controversial Silvio Berlosconi, who had supported Mr Monti's reforms, but recently withdrew that backing, prompting the upcoming elections.

Leading the polls is the centre-left Democratic Party.

The scandal-tinged Mr Berlusconi may have re-injected himself into the process in recent weeks, but support for his People of Freedom Party has halved to about 16.5 per cent, and he is seen as having a spoiler role.

Also in the mix is comedian Beppe Grillo, who is running on an anti-sleaze ticket and beating Mr Berlusconi in the polls.

On the streets of Rome some residents are unimpressed by their range of political alternatives.

"Monti has brought us to ruin somewhat, he's made us poorer," said one woman on the streets of Rome.

"As long as Berlusconi doesn't come back, otherwise Italy will end up in a mess. Unfortunately we have very few alternatives."

However, James Walston says he expects voters to support an agenda akin to that of Mr Monti.

"The most likely scenario will be a centre-left victory with a big fight over the senate and with Monti and the centralist parties coming in in some way," he forecast.